Photo by Ermell on Wikimedia Commons

Is Times Square worth it for a romantic trip?

Arrive from a side street and the sudden volume of light still has force, especially on a first New York trip. Stand on the red steps, look up, then keep moving. The useful version of Times Square is a short passage before a Broadway show, not an attraction that needs an afternoon. Costumed characters expect payment for photographs, chain restaurants trade on location and the surrounding blocks improve quickly once the signs fall behind.

Price

Free public pedestrian plazas

Time

20–30 min

Last verified

2026-07-16